From Loccum to Volkenroda in the footsteps of the Cistercian monks

The route, approx. 300km in length and clearly marked with the Loccum Cistercian cross, passes through a harmonious landscape of hills and unspoilt countryside and connects the two ancient Cistercian abbeys of Loccum and Volkenroda.

The pilgrimage route from Loccum to Volkenroda follows the age-old trails of the Cistercian monks. In the 12th century, monks from Volkenroda in Thuringia took this trail to establish a new abbey in the marshes of Lake Steinhude in Lower Saxony – the present-day Loccum Abbey. This central region has many Christian memorial sites as well as picturesque scenery. It runs along the Weser and Leine rivers, through the Pied Piper town of Hamelin, the Weserbergland hills, the tranquil forests of the Solling and Vogler hills, through the predominantly Catholic region of Eichsfeld and along the Unstrut river to Volkenroda in Thuringia. Natural, historical and cultural attractions can be found along the way, in addition to numerous churches, abbeys and abbey ruins, most of Cistercian origin, which are wonderful places to visit as part of the age-old tradition of pilgrimage. It offers an opportunity to visit places that are deeply religious and steeped in tradition. The trail not only connects the different regions, it also brings together the religious communities along the route, with many now offering open churches, special prayers, hostels and pilgrimage stamps. Certified pilgrimage guides with relevant religious knowledge offer tours for groups on request. The doors of the abbeys are open and visitors are welcome.